Beyond Theory: Social Work Students Learn to Evaluate and Improve Programs Through Applied Research

On December 18, 2025, students in the Master of Social Work (MSW) course “Evaluation of Social Work Practice and Programs” wrapped up the fall semester by presenting the results of their program evaluation projects that bridged research, theory, and practice. The final presentations showcased students’ ability to apply quantitative and qualitative research methods to real-world social work settings, demonstrating skills that are essential for ethical, evidence-informed practice.

The course, which is taught by Assistant Professor Woojin Jung, is designed to prepare students to systematically evaluate social work practice at the micro level and programs, organizations, and policies at the macro level. Building on prior research coursework, students learn how to move beyond theory and into application, designing evaluations, collecting and analyzing data, and communicating findings to diverse stakeholders. 

A central goal of the class is to prepare students to step confidently into three research roles: evaluator of practice, evaluator of programs, and producer of research. Throughout the semester, students engaged in the full evaluation process while grounding their work in ethics, cultural responsiveness, human rights, and social justice.

“The course was one of the most rewarding educational ventures I have endured,” said student Jessie Gage. “While the course often pushed me outside of my comfort zone, it also taught me more than any other in my educational journey.” Gage emphasized that the class rewards meaningful engagement, noting that students who choose growth over ease “will likely learn more than they ever thought possible.”

Final projects reflected the course’s emphasis on real-world impact. Many students used their practicum placements as sites for evaluation, allowing them to assess interventions and programs they were actively involved in. These projects required students to critically evaluate practice, select appropriate evaluation methods, analyze findings, and clearly communicate results.

The presentations included:

• Summit Oaks Hospital (Inpatient Psychiatric Program): Claire M. Ciardiello, Stephanie D. Fajardo, Phoebe Goring, and Kate G. Linnehan
• Comprehensive Eviction Defense and Diversion (CEDD): Rhode-Taina G. Gardere and Stephanie Gomez-Vanegas
• Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Legal Assistance: Jessie H. Gage, Max Hogan Montalvo, Naomi D. Hunt, and Jayda L. Sharp
• Mountainview Behavioral Hospital: Julia C. Cofrancesco, Madelyn A. Kopec, Daniel e. Lundner, and Joshua Rothberg
• RWJ Trinitas Trauma-Informed Outpatient Behavioral Health Program: Michael Vascimini
• Snyder House: Sarah M. Adler, Jada M. Kennedy, Valerie Sems, Jake M. Skurchak, and Taylor C. Stevens
• Substance Abuse Program: Sam Cruz and Nunzio A. Frisina
• USCRI’s Services to Girls in Refugee Camps in Kenya: Melody Eric Bell-Gam

For Taylor Stevens, the final project offered a chance to apply evaluation skills directly within their practicum at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). “Using my practicum assignment with the VA as an opportunity to collect and analyze data regarding the veterans I interact with was exciting,” Stevens shared. Stevens’ project examined outcomes from the Snyder House Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program, revealing “an overwhelming consensus that veterans who complete the program move on with a more positive view of themselves.” The evaluation also identified opportunities to strengthen ongoing data collection for more comprehensive program assessment.

“I loved Dr. Jung’s class,” Sarah Adler added. “She was always super supportive and took the time to go around and make sure we all individually understood the material.”

Across presentations, students demonstrated growing competence in translating complex data into meaningful insights for clients, agencies, and communities. The final session highlighted not only students’ technical skills, but also their ability to approach evaluation as a tool for accountability, learning, and social change.

As the semester concluded, the December 18 presentations underscored the course’s core message: evaluation is not just about numbers or reports. It is about improving practice, strengthening programs, and advancing equity in social work.